As we embark into 2025, Chauvet Arts is proud to represent five extraordinary artists whose works have enriched our gallery and captivated our community. Their creativity and innovation embody the essence of contemporary art, offering fresh perspectives and compelling narratives. 

Whether you’re a long-time collector or new to the art world, we invite you to experience their works firsthand at our downtown Nashville gallery!

1. Daryl Thetford

Contemplation | Mixed Media Collage | 61 x 73 x 2 in | $6,500

Daryl Thetford’s digital collages are a harmonious blend of graphic design and storytelling. Drawing inspiration from urban landscapes and the human experience, Daryl’s works are both thought-provoking and visually arresting. His bold use of color and layered imagery creates pieces that feel simultaneously modern and timeless. 

In Contemplation, Thetford captures the essence of inner turmoil amidst the modern world, depicting a cowboy on horseback set against a landscape where urban and rural elements collide. 

2. Carlos Gamez de Francisco

Keep Pets off the Furniture | Acrylic on Canvas (6 Panels) | 80 x 116 x 2 in | $21,700

Carlos Gamez de Francisco grew up immersed in an academic art style influenced by the Russian Academy. His work, deeply inspired by Cuban history, reimagines storytelling and questions historical accuracy, often bridging past and present with vivid narratives. 

In Keep Pets Off the Furniture, Carlos blends surrealism and intricate detail, depicting ornate horses atop an elaborately designed couch. The work juxtaposes luxury and playfulness, exploring themes of control, chaos, and the intersection of natural and constructed worlds.

3.  Denise Stewart-Sanabria

Time Warp Garden Party | Oil on Linen | 30 x 40 x 2 in | $3,900

Denise Stewart-Sanabria’s oil paintings convey theatrical narratives that anthropomorphize baked goods and produce in dramatic, often humorous settings. Her works combine ancient cultural artifacts, and edible landscapes, offering a feast for both the eyes and the imagination. Drawing inspiration from centuries of design, Denise’s hyperrealistic style bridges the gap between historical references and contemporary themes. 

Time Warp Garden Party captures an eclectic tableau of objects arranged against a lush, tropical backdrop. The composition blends classical and whimsical elements, juxtaposing a delicate porcelain figurine adorned in a floral dress with playful plastic flamingos, pastel bunnies, and a fierce gray dinosaur figure.The piece celebrates the interplay of the artificial and the organic, nostalgia and modernity, inviting viewers into a dreamlike feast for the senses.

4. Philip Holsinger

Sopo | Matte-Ink on Cotton Rag Paper | Various Sizes | $1,200 - $6,000

Philip Holsinger’s photography captures the raw beauty and emotional depth of fleeting moments. A dedicated photojournalist, Holsinger’s work has taken him to some of the world’s most volatile environments, documenting humanity’s resilience and struggles.

Sopo Preparing to Summit on Autumn Migration – This evocative photograph features a Georgian mountain dog puppy peacefully sleeping in a saddle bag, nestled amidst the rich textures of fabric. Holsinger’s work invites viewers to share in this tender moment, capturing the spirit of companionship and tranquility amid the vibrant life of the Georgian countryside.

"I can't stage a photograph. Because it's not real. Life itself has to present that moment. So, I'm just waiting for it."

5. Charles Keiger

Iris | Oil on Canvas (Framed) | 28.5 x 23 x 2 in | $4,200

Charles Keiger’s surreal oil paintings blend southern gothic and magical realism, crafting whimsical, dreamlike narratives with everyday elements like trees, flowers, and animals. “It’s ok to smile when you look at my paintings,” Keiger says. “It’s not necessary to ‘figure it out.’” 

Iris juxtaposes the grandeur of nature with human introspection, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in its dreamlike setting. Keiger’s works explore gesture, design, and emotion, inviting viewers to connect through universal experiences.